NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Explore money management strategies for travelers and expats, tackling the intricacies of credit card debt and international banking. Learn effective repayment tactics while navigating rising debt trends. Discover essential tips for managing finances abroad, including avoiding high fees and selecting the right credit cards. The conversation also dives into the emotional impacts of debt, focusing on proactive repayment and prioritizing financial goals. Finally, gain insights into navigating taxes and the benefits of professional assistance for expatriates.

In this insightful discussion, Sam Taube, an Investing Nerd at NerdWallet, shares his expertise on investment strategies for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of balancing risk and reward in investing and offers practical tips for rebalancing your portfolio. The conversation highlights the significance of diversification to navigate market uncertainty, warns against common investment pitfalls, and explains how to recognize scam signals. Sam also introduces index funds and briefly touches on cryptocurrency as speculative options for the future.

Kim Palmer, a personal finance expert from NerdWallet, joins the hosts to tackle the challenges of budgeting with irregular income. They discuss strategies for dividing large paychecks into manageable monthly budgets and the role of high-yield savings accounts. The conversation highlights the importance of tracking expenses and cutting mindless spending habits, alongside tips for making sustainable financial resolutions for the new year. There's also a look at engaging budgeting methods and apps to help streamline the process.

In this engaging discussion, Elizabeth Renter, a Senior Economist at NerdWallet, shares her insights on avoiding financial regrets and making the most out of 2025. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic money goals and offers practical advice for mindful spending and budgeting. Key strategies include automating savings, building healthy credit habits, and creating flexible financial plans. Listeners learn how to reflect on past decisions to improve future financial health and set boundaries that lead to smarter money moves.

Magda Doemeny, a certified financial planner from NerdWallet Advisors, shares invaluable budgeting and debt management insights with listener Brinker, who struggles with spending habits and debt. They explore methods for tracking expenses and setting financial goals, while Magda emphasizes the importance of prioritizing debt repayment and creating a sustainable budget. The conversation also touches on Brinker’s childhood financial experiences and how they influence her current money management, making for a relatable and educational session.

Dive into the fascinating world of net worth and discover how to assess and leverage it for financial success. Learn why it's normal to have a low or negative net worth in your 20s and hear unique insights on setting realistic financial goals. A listener shares her journey of saving and aspirations for financial independence. Plus, gain valuable tips from Vivian Tu, who emphasizes the importance of transparent money conversations and side hustles as paths to achieving your dreams. Explore this rich discussion on personal finance and wealth-building.

Amanda Barroso, a NerdWallet credit writer with expertise in policy analysis and journalism, joins the hosts to discuss smart holiday spending and credit recovery. They tackle the dangers of impulsive shopping and advocate for intentional giving. Barroso offers strategies to improve your credit score, including writing goodwill letters and disputing errors. The conversation also highlights how renters can report on-time payments to enhance their credit and the importance of maintaining payment consistency. Packed with practical tips for holiday budgeting!

Discover effective strategies for tackling credit card debt while considering investment options. The hosts dive into how to wisely use a financial windfall, discussing balance transfers and automating payments. Explore the pros and cons of the snowball versus avalanche debt payoff methods. They also weigh the benefits of prioritizing high-interest debt repayment against long-term investments. Listeners learn about balancing financial goals with the desire to enjoy life, making informed decisions tailored to their unique situations.

Michelle Singletary, a personal finance columnist for the Washington Post, joins the conversation to dissect the emotional tactics used by scammers. They tell the heartbreaking story of Judith, a 79-year-old who lost $600,000 to fraudsters. Singletary emphasizes the importance of awareness and empathy in scam prevention. The discussion covers various scam awareness strategies, financial security tips, and the need for continuous financial education. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of trust and the necessary vigilance in protecting our finances.

In this discussion, investing expert Sam Taube shares insights on maximizing Roth IRA contributions and correcting over-contribution mistakes. Hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner explore 'lazy' money management tactics like automating investments for easy growth. They highlight the importance of year-end contributions and discuss strategies for setting up a backdoor Roth IRA. Listeners learn about income limits, penalties for over-contributing, and smart ways to enhance retirement savings just in time for tax season!